The Cosmology of Edgar Allan Poe
Abstract
Eureka is a ``prose poem'' published in 1848, where Edgar Allan Poe presents his original cosmology. While starting from metaphysical assumptions, Poe develops an evolving Newtonian model of the Universe which has many and non casual analogies with modern cosmology. Poe was well informed about astronomical and physical discoveries, and he was influenced by both contemporary science and ancient ideas. For these reasons, Eureka is a unique synthesis of metaphysics, art and science.
- Publication:
-
The Role of Astronomy in Society and Culture
- Pub Date:
- June 2011
- DOI:
- 10.1017/S1743921311002468
- Bibcode:
- 2011IAUS..260..315C
- Keywords:
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- cosmology;
- history and philosophy of astronomy;
- literature